[Effect of exposure to higher decabrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE-209) on learning and memory functions of BALB/c mice].

Objective To investigate the effects of exposure to decabrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE-209) on learning and memory of BALB/c mice. Methods Eighteen female BALB/c mice were randomizedly divided into 3 groups and garaged with peanut oil in the control groups and 300,1500 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1) PBDE-209 in peanut oil daily in two exposed groups respectively for 4 weeks. The learning and memory ability of mice were tested by the Morris water maze and the shuttling box respectively. The body weight and organs index were measured and the acetyicholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activity in brain were determined. The liver histopathological examination was performed. Results The heart index in high dose PBDE-209 group was higher than that of the low dose PBDE-209 group(P 0.05). Histologically liver damages in structure such as adipose degeneration and swelling were observed in PBDE groups. Conclusion Exposure to PBDE-209 slightly impairs the space learning and memory ability of BALB/c mice, and it has some hepototoxicity. Key words: Deca-brominated diphenyl ether, Maze Learning;  Memory;  Acetylcholinesterase;  Bu-tyrylcholinesterase